Pampered Puppies

Your dog's life just got a little better.

Does your best friend need a little TLC? Doggy spas promise to soothe Spot's stress.

At Soapy Puppy Dog Spa in Alpharetta, Georgia, canines get pulsating hydromassage baths ($18 to $45), hot-oil treatments ($10) and lavender aromatherapy (free with bath).

Dogs roll over for acupressure ($25) and sparkly pedicures ($10) at Truckee-Tahoe Kennels in Truckee, California. The tony Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida, even offers an in-room massage, at $130 for an hour. Some centers also provide boarding services.

But these treatments aren't necessary to keep Fido's tail wagging, says Ron Faoro, DVM, head of the California Veterinary Medical Association. "Animals handle stress much better than humans."

If your dog is older or sick, see the vet before heading to a spa, Dr. Faoro adds. "It's important that people don't just think, Oh, my dog's limping -- I'll take him to the doggy spa."

From Reader's Digest - March 2007

 

• Your Pets
• • Happiness
• Family Life

• True Stories of Hero Pets
• We asked for your stories. Here are our picks for best in show.
• 
• More Hero Pets: More Than a Best Friend
• These animals will amaze and inspire you!
• 
• A Clean House with Pets: 4 Tips
• Short and simple suggestions for making pet mess less of a problem.
• 
• Brush Up Your Pets Breath
• Your pet's bad breath may not just be a pesky problem.
• 
• Insect Repellent for Pets
• Protect your pets from pests.
• 

“ Three days before a trip, start boosting your immune system with doses of echinacea and vitamin C. ”

• See All Tips